
Class. 

Book lCJZ.6j1- 






A 



DISCOURSE, 



DELIVERED AT CONWAY, N. H, 



OA THE FO UR TH OF JUL F, 1 8 1 1 , 



BY NATHANIEL PORTER, A. M. 



PORTLAND : 






<i^ 






^ 



A DISCOURSE. 



JEREMIAH VTH CHAP. 31ST V£R. 
And my people love to have it so. 

BRETHREN, friends, and fellow citizens ! 
In obedience to your call, I appear in the desk a 
public speaker. In the habit of complying with in- 
vitations, to lead in those religious exercises, which 
look with any favorable aspect, on your eternal or 
temporal welfare, I obeyed your summons, and ap- 
pear before you in this place. 

This day associates a train of ideas, which are sol- 
emn and joyous. This day witnessed the biith of 
our nation ; saw three millions of people emerge 
from obscurity ; claim the native rights of man ; 
renounce all political connection with an imperious, 
oppressive nation, and boldly assert their indepen- 
dence. 

Not only did the 4th of July, '76, introduce the 
United States to a rank among the nations of the 
world ; but formed an epoch, from which we may 
trace a long chain of events, some of Vvhich have- 
been fortunate and pleasing, others, the reverse. 

Our exemption from the calamitous wnrs, which 
have ravaged Europe ; our national weakl! and gran- 
deur ; the spirit of enterprize, awake through the 
Union, owed their existence, under a superintend- 
ing God, to the particular condition in which iIk: 
bold transactions of the 4th of July, placed our 
country. 

Thus we trace the doings of that memorable d::i\\ 
to the v.'ill of a governing God ; to the beneficent 
Author and Guardian of our lives, liberties, and en 
joymenf:-!. Yet, they rise to our {jrst view, as tlri 



4 

project of human wisdom ; the result of mature de- 
liberation in the leading characters of the times. Hu- 
man agents were employed to effectuate the pur- 
poses of heaven. 

That which gave energy to the declaration of the 
august fathers of the 4th of July, '76, was the choice 
of the people, which embraced it. Feeble indeed 
had been the doings of that day, and wholly abor- 
tive, had they not been sanctioned by the body of 
the nation. Tlie people chose to have it so. 

The people are the source of poAver in every na- 
'don ; the strength of every kingdom is lodged in 
their harids, whatever may be their form of govern- 
ment. Potentates, though they were wise as angels, 
and possessed all the integrity and benevolence tlvat 
ever adorned a human character, could never effec- 
tuate the good their patriotism might wish, unless 
the body of the people should second their views, and 
aid them in the execution of their plans. Royal ty- 
rants could never inflict misery on their subjects, 
but wiih their consent. The sufferers always prefer 
the calamities they feel, to any resolute, manly exer- 
tions to produce a reform, or extricate themselves 
from tliose miseries. The character of a people takes 
its complexion from that of the government, or from 
the character of those who administer the govern- 
ment. This, however, is when they accjuiesce in 
that state of things \vhich their rulers devise. 

In whatever nation things are so managed, or pub- 
lic concerns are so conducted ^ as to damp the spirit 
of enterprise, cut the sinews of revenue, dry up the 
sources of wt akh, reduce the people to povcrt}', de-r 
grade, and almost beggar them, the M"ords of the 
text will apply *' the people love to have it so." 
More particularly will the words apply to a people, 
whose government is elective, and where a constitu-i 
t'Onal vrmedv ^ ■; ej.ih' appl-ed 



♦ In' the verse preceding the text, the prophet com- 
plains of a thing committed in the land of Jiidea, 
#hich was wondei-ftil and horrid. Prophets proplie- 
sying falsely, or circulating lies among the people, 
and, an order of men, by those means, getting pow. 
er into their hands, and wickedly bearing rule. 

It appears that the corrupt rulers of that da)^ had 
Crowded themselves into office, or acquired their au- 
thority and influence, by means of abominable false, 
hoods, framed and put in circulation, by a set of bu- 
sy, lying, self-created prophets. And, says the text, 
My people love to have it so. 

The body of the people easily believed those lyir.g 
prophets ; were willingly deceived by the folsehoods, 
which were intended to 'impress thv- public mind, in 
favor of certain ambitious characters, and open a way 
for their advancement to the honors and emoluments 
of office, which was *' a wonderful and an horrid 
thing." The people were pleased with such things ; 
they were flattered, amused by these lying propbeli, 
and supinely submitted to the \'ile characters, v/ho 
had acquired their authority by such base and aborai- 
iialile means. 

It is not to be understood, that natural evils, 
Nvhether public or private, are tlie immediate objects 
-of a man's low desire or choice. Bur, when those 
measures, which directly lead to those evils, or have 
an obvious tendency to produce them, are j^referrcd 
to all others, and when the calamities resulting from 
them, are tamely, if not cheerfuily submitted to ; it 
may truly be said, that " people love to have it so." 
Tlicy that hate me, love death, says Solomon. Not 
that death was the immediate object of their choice, 
or love ; but they preferred the path winch led to 
death. Death is the wages of sin, and those \yho 
choose the ways of sin, do, in their choicr, embrace 
its \Aagcs. 

The calamities which followed the abominable 



thing alluded to in the context, \vhcther it were the 
blundering, or oppressive conduct of those, who ha(J 
got the reins of government into their hands, by the 
hateful arts of dissinaulation and falsehood, could not, 
in themselves, be objects of desire, or complacency 
with those suffering Jews. Yet, as they embraced 
the lies, which were meant to beguile them, suppor- 
ted and caressed the instruments of their woes ; the 
words ©f the text are applied to them, " they loved 
to have it so." As they supported the very measure, 
which produced their distresses, they did prefer that 
state of things. 

Some of the links in the chain of events, connec- 
ted with the transactions of the 4th of July, '76, 
may, with propriety, be brought into view, upon this 
Anniversary. 

The dissolution of our connection with Great Bri- 
tain, by the declaration of independence, seemed as 
a spur to zeal, and increased the animation of every 
grade of citizens, who, with a few exceptions, enter- 
ed into the views of the then leading characters, and 
supported their claims, with a resolution, ardour and 
perseverance, which, under the auspices of a benefi- 
cent God, were crowned with a success, which as- 
tonished and abashed the foes of America, rejoiced 
tlie heart of Europe, and laid a foundation for the 
peace and happiness of a virtuous and enlightened 
people, till kingdoms and empires should be no 
more. 

The transactions of that auspicious day, opened a 
fair, a pleasing prospect to the views of millions ; a 
prospect of free commerce with uU the world ; a com- 
merce unrestricted by the capricious regulations of 
<X parent ii^tate, always too jealous of our growing 
numbers, strength and wealth. Hope and expecta- 
tion, were alive in every patriotic breast, in every en- 
terprising mind. 

The. most sanguine hope was realized, by the in- 
dustrious farmer, jncrcbant, and mechuniff , Whil<? 



war impoverished and wasted Europe, and this coun- 
try maintained a strict and honorable neutrahty, 
weahh flowed abundantly to the coffers of the indus- 
trious and enterprising ; and all classes of people felt 
its meliorating effects. 

This state of things, with a few scandalous excep- 
tions, was pleasing to the body of the people ; they 
loved to have things as they then were. So perhaps 
it might still have been^ had that love continued in 
the same channel, or been directed to the same ob- 
jects, and embraced the measures necessary to such a 
state oj" things. 

The declaration of that ominous day, was not on- 
ly the step of our ascent to a reputable rank among 
nations ; but opened a way, and even laid a founda- 
tion of forming treaties with foreign nations, on the 
footing of reciprocal advantages. 

Ah alliance was formed with a nation, which, 
though attended with some minor advantages, at that 
eventful moment, has since been so managed, as to 
be a curse, rather than a blessing. By that alliance, 
the bosom of our country was opened to hoards of 
spies and pimps ; to men of black intrigue ; to the 
very dregs of a nation of incendiaries, whose faith is, 
and ever was deceptions, and whose object has ever 
been, to divide, to weaken, to set the government at 
variance with the people ; and thus, at some conve- 
nient period, bring them within their own rapacious 
grasp. 

The purest motives, undoubtedly, led the fathers 
of our country, to form that alliance, then thought 
necessary to the support of our just claims. That al- 
liance was accepted by the people ; all appeared wil' 
ling and desirous it should be so, and thus gave it 
tlie stability of a supreme law. 

Divide and conquer, has long been the motto of 
France ; and, whenever they have been able to sow 
the seeds of political discord^ in. a soil congenial to 



3 

their growth, and have followed with their armies ; 
life, liberty, property, laws, and whatever is sacred 
and dear to man, have been prostrated in the dust ; 
have fallen a sacrifice to their insatiable ambition, av- 
arice and cruelty. 

How far France, by her base intrigues, has stir- 
red lip division in this country, and blown the sparks 
of party spirit to a flame, may be learned from their 
own declaration, more than ten years ago, and by 
events we have since witnessed. It was then said in 
France, arid to those commissioners, of which the 
present Governor of Massachusetts was one, that the 
French rfc:public, had too great an interest in the U° 
nited States, for the government to make war upon 
them; and boasted that their diplomatic skill, had 
Hot been employed In vain, or to that purport. Tho* 
that declaration, at that time, was not believed, yet it 
has since been proved, to be a lamentable truth. 
And that which may perhaps^, he thought still more 
hiinentable, is, that this is etnh'aced by she cfioice of 
the people. 

In die year 1783, the independence declared on 
the eventful day we celebrate, w^as aeknowledged by 
tlie only power, \\'hich had contested our claim* 
Then, the citizens of the Union sat down, *' under 
iheir own vine and fig tree, while there was none to 
make tlicm afraid." Peace and harmony reigned, 
from one extremity of the territory to the other ; and 
one patriotic soul, seemed to animate the whole. 

The American flag was acknowledged and res- 
pected on the seas, and in every foreign port, the 
Barbary powers excepted. 

That was the morning of our existence as a na- 
tion J fair and serene as the unclouded day. Those 
were amonp; the halcyon days of America. The 
sweets of* liberty and independence, were tasted and 
relislied by the people, who were highly pleased 
with that state of thmgs ; and rejoiced in the hope 
of growuig power, wealth and prosperity. 



The fairest, the most perfect foundation ever laid, 
for the happiness of society, or welfare of man, may 
be incumbered with a superstructure, composed of 
such materials, as to disappoint the public expecta- 
tion, and defraud the hope of individuals. Of this 
nature was that compact, framed on the doings of 
the memorable July 4th. By which thirteen indepen- 
dent sovereignties, were leagued together, lor mutu- 
al safety and defence. That instrument was calcula- 
ted for a virtuous and enlightened meridian ; adop- 
ted to answer the honest intentions of its compilers, 
in a nation free from prejudices ; whose passions 
were subject to the government of reason ; and who 
were ready to sacrifice private views and interests, to 
the general welfare, or submit to local inconvenien- 
ces, to promote the prosperity of the whole. It was 
destitute of energy, and like the natural body with- 
out the spirit, dead. It was totally inadequate to the 
purposes which were proposed in its formation, or 
expected from its operation. 

The unhappy effects of a government without en- 
iergy, were soon felt. Alarming symptoms of decay 
appeared in the confederated body ; a reform awi's 
projected ; the frame of the compact was essentiallv 
altered, or zi new one framed and submitted to the 
people. And, though its adoption was, by man^. , 
strenuously opposed ; yet, after a fair and candid 
discussion, was received as the Constitution of tlv 
Republic, and carried into operation. This was a 
hew order of things, embraced by the choice of the 
people. 

When the man, who justly merited die confidence 
of the nation, was placed in the chair of state, bv the 
unanimous suffrage^ of the people ; talents, intes:-- 
rity, and genuine patriotism, moved tht.' ^vheels iu 
the political machine. 

Soon were the laeliorating effects of this new or- 
der of things felt in every limb of the IJi io:i. The 
B 



10 

spirit of enterprise awoke ; industry received a new 
spur, and joy pervaded all departments, and all habi- 
tations, with the exception of those, who are ene- 
mies to order, who delight in troubled waters, whose 
element is confusion. A grateful multitude saw with 
heartfelt satisfaction, the beloved hero, who, when 
loaded with the honors of war, sheathed the victori- 
ous sA\'ord, and retired to a private station, the 
chief executive of their growing empire. They 
cheerfully entered into all his views, and supported 
his administration. That was a state of things, which 
met the love, was embraced by the choice of the 
people. 

IJnder the administration of Washington, the na" 
tion acquired a high degree of credit and respecta- 
bility, and grew in wealth. The interest of the pub- 
lic debt was discharged, and the principal said to be 
reduced. 

The public revenue, was then, comparatively 
small ; the expenditures necessarily great : greater 
than the necessary expenses of any subsequent ad- 
ministration. An Indian war was carried on, which 
cost the government large sums. An insurrection 
raised in the bowels of the Union, [in which the 
present Secretary of the national treasury took an 
active and leading part,] was crushed at great 
expense. Treaties were Ibrmed, light houses built, 
fortresses strengthened, and the country kept in 
some posture of defence, which must liave been at* 
tended with great expenditures. Yet, by the econo- 
mizing plans then adopted, the treasury was supplied 
to meet the exigences of the nation. 

When Europe was involved in a ruinous wai', a 
strict neutrality, by the vigilance and decisive con- 
duct of the Executive, was observed on the part of 
the United States, in spite of the impudent attempts 
of intriguing foreigners to the contrary. This posi- 
tion ga\ e opportunity to enterprising citizens^ to en- 



n 

rich themselves, and their country, by becoming cai- 
Tiers for the belligerent powers. 

The offices in government, were filled by men of 
wisdom and virtue ; integrity, talents and patriotism, 
were the only recommendations to offices of trust 
and responsibility. Faithful men filled the depart- 
ments of state. No fraud, no embezzlement of the 
public interest, were known. A system of revenue 
was so formed, as to be adequate to all the wants of 
government, and calculated to gradually remo^'e the 
public burden, and enrich the nation. Questions 
pending in the councils of the nation, were decided 
on the fair scale of reason, or carried by conclusive' 
argument. What people on earth, could but love 
to have things so ? Who could but choose a state 
of things, which was productive of the greatest na- 
tional good ? It was approved ; it met the love of 
all. As in the days of David, *' whatsoever the king 
did, pleased all the people ;" so, whatsoever was 
done, under that administration, pleased the people. 
. In the next admhiistration, the tide of our national 
prosperity, received an alarming check. The pow- 
ers at war, trampled on the laws of nations ; violated 
the rights of neutrality, and wantonly committed de- 
predations on the hard earned property of Ameri* 
cans. 

When a remedy of this evil was sought by fair ne- 
gociation, the least abandoned of tliC two great con- 
tending powers, attended to our just com])laints ; 
amicably adjusted differences with our government, 
and promptly restored the property, taken contrary 
to the rights of neutrals. The other power, insult- 
ingly continued her spoliations ; till convinced, by 
the spirited measures of our government, that she 
could no longer insult an independent people with 
impunity, she then acceded to terms of accommoda- 
tion ; but has not restored the plundered properly. 

Those spoliations greatly lessened the revenue ; 



12 

which, with the large sums expended to form a navy, 
to protect commerce, and support tlie dignity of the 
nation, reduced the administration to the painful al~ 
terfiative of borrowing money, to supply the wants 
of government, or resorting to direct taxation. The 
latter was prefen-ed. 

As taxation is a mode of raising a revenue, never 
very popular, so this sat uneasy upon the minds of 
many, and even of some \\ ho appeared to be friends 
10 the government. Of this, and some other things, 
the foes of the administration availed themselves, and 
increased the popular discontent. A new order of 
Things was introduced. A change in the administra- 
tion took place ; a change of political measures of 
course followed. And it was evident enough, the 
people loved to have it so. 

The country had, at no time, been wholly free 
from Absaloms, who, under a mask of zeal for the 
public good, insidiously endeavored to overthrow 
the existing' order of things. 

The illustrious Washington did not escape the 
tongue of slander ; nor his \\'ise measures, which 
placed the country on a safe and reputable footing, 
ihc pen of censure. His public conduct was attack- 
ed, by those who are included in the exceptions be- 
fore made. 

How a change in the administration was elTcctwa- 
ted, will not be made a subject of inquiry in this 
place. I would only observe, the context will fur- 
nish the best kej' to the means by which it A^as in- 
troduf.ed. But by whate\'er means the change was 
brought about, it grew out of the bold tiansactions 
of the 4th of July, '76, and the people did love to 
have it so. 

At the commencement of the present order of 
things, the public treasurv was so supplied, as to 
meet every immediate want of the government ; and 
a revenue was, at the same time, increasing with a, 



13 



rapidity, without, perhaps, a parallel in the history of 
nations. Lands, according to statement, have been 
sold, to the amount of more than thirty millions oF 
dollars. To which m.ay be added, the proceeds of 
a part of the navy, built by the precedmg adminis- 
tration. In the space of ten years, there have been 
no wars to maintain* ; no insurrections to quell ; 
nor a cent expended for the protection of trade. And 
vet it appears, the treasury is exhausted, and the 
government under the necessity of borrowing mill- 
ions, to meet the exigences of a single year. And, m 
the sense in which the text has been explained, the 
people love to have it so. 

Whatever the cause may be, our country appears 
this day, in a very awkward and critical situation. In- 
sulted abroad, degraded at home, and contemptible 
in the eyes of every thinking foreigner. The sour- 
ces of revenue destroyed, the treasury empty, and 
commerce, which furnished employment and sup- 
port to thousands of citizens, greatly embarrassed, 
and without protection. The measures which were 
formerly adopted and pursued, in a similar case, are 
set aside ; and a different mode of conduct towards 
foreign aggressions, is observed. Without deciding 
on the wisdom or policy of the present train of politi- 
cal measures, I only observe, the body of the peo- 
ple, in the true sense of the text, love to have it so. 

A link in the chain of events, produced by the ex- 
ercise of the power assumed on the 4th of July, the 
moral and rehgious state of things, is not the least no- 
ticeable. ^ -, , • J f 
At that eventful crisis, ^re find tins order oi 
things, not unsimilar to that of the Jews, at, and af- 
ter' dieir emancipation from Egyptian bondage. A 
Moses, in the state, and an Aaron, in the churcli, 

* The battle at Tripoli, had escaped the Author's memo- 
ry, at the time of penning this discourse ; hopes the madver- 
tence may meet the pardon of a candid public. 



u 



were happily united, in leading the people of this 
christian country, in the paths of order and virtue. 
Oflicers in the church and state, combined their in' 
fluence to promote the peace and happiness of the 
people, m their civil and ecclesiastical state. Each 
moved in his o\to sphere, without invading the prov- 
mce of the other. Their influence was united while 
their departments were distinct. * 

This was an order, which seems to have been 
copied, from an institution of Israel's God. And 
hence I conclude, the wisdom, and salutary tenden- 
cy of such ail order, will never be called in question 
by one serious advocate for divine revelation. ' 

VVlien the magistrate patronizes religion, exem- 
plifies Its virtues, provides for its teachers, by requi. 
ring the prompt fulfilment of every voluntary con. 
tract, made to support the institution ®f public wor- 
ship and protects the worshippers of Jehovah from 
insult. It bears a strong resemblance to the ancient 
order whicii God established, and which he has nev. 
er revoked ; but has declared it to be hh A^•iIl, that it 
should continue under the gospel dispensation. This 
order of things, met the approbation of the body of 
people. '^ 

The oulA^aicl peace and prosperity of a commu- 
mty, are tlie immediate objects in the \kw of the 
magistrate. It is his particular province to prevent 
or punish fraud, and every disorder, by which the 
peace of society is disturbed, or its silfety endan- 
gtnd. •' 

The immediate object of the minietry, is to rei^u- 
iate the heart mend the temper, and meliorate die 
jnorals. P.ither of these alone, seems to be inade- 
quate to tiie preservation of social order and happi- 
ness. And It was, no doubt, on this ground, divine 
wisdom and benevolence, combined them in the 
Jewish economy. 

AH iiations find it necessary, to -M the iofiuencc 



15 

of a religion, which binds the consciences of men, tb 
the authority of the magistrate, to secure obedience 
to the laws. The sanctions which enforce obedience 
to the precepts of rehgion, are more impressive and 
powerful, than are those penalties, which sanction 
the laws of the state. 

When there is a Moses, in a christian nation, to 
use his influence in favor of religion ; to patronize 
its institutions, and encourage its instructors ; when 
the civil fathers of a community, add their sanction 
to moral virtue, by exhibiting its character in their 
department ; when they reverence the name, the 
sanctuary, and institutions of the Lord ; vvhen they 
are patterns of religion in their walk ; and when spi- 
ritual guides enforce the precepts of it, with the pow- 
erful sanction of the gospel ; it has a happy ten- 
dency to spread the influence of real Christianity, to 
all descriptions of men in a community. And wiien 
a people accede to such a state of things ; or, in the 
style of the text, love to have it so ; every social bles- 
smg may l^e expecied, and their expectations will 
not be disappointed. 

The most superficial examiner will perceive, by 
the history of the Jewish nation, that its general char- 
acter may be known, by that of its politiciJ and spir- 
itual guides. When these combined their influence, 
and united their exertions, to promote the temporal 
good, and spiritual welfare of the people ; the latter, 
in most instances, seconded their ^ ic\\s, and aided 
their endeavors, and the land enjoyed peace and 
prosperity. 

When wicked men held the reins of government, 
the body of the nation aped their evil manners, grew 
corrupt, became vicious and miserable. Some in- 
stances, in the Jewish history, are found, in which 
the people did not enter into tlie views of their 
church and state officers. These are found, more 
particularly in dieir journey through the desert. 



16 

They rebelled against Moses and Aaron. By the 
false reports, and glaring suggestions of ten persons, 
who were sent as spies, the whole eongregation were 
thrown into a state of rebellion against their rulers. 
The rebels were desti'oyed ; the stedfast [ew, pos- 
sessed the fertile land. 

On the other hand, tlfere are instances, in which a 
people have not followed their infidel, demoralized 
magistrate. Cruel tyrants, have sometimes been de- 
throned, by their oppressed subjects. But ordina- 
rily, rulers and people have but one character ; and 
this is according to the leading features in that of the 
former. 

If the Moses of a christian community withdraws 
his fostering hand from the institutions of religion ; 
if he throws tlie influence of his example into the 
scale of infidelity, vice and dissipation ; a large pro- 
portion of the commiinity will be likely to follow 
him. And when they do, it is because they prefer 
that demoralized state of things, or lovfe to have it so. 

A few names, who do not defile their garments, 
by a departure from the law and testimony of their 
Godj may be as the salt of a community, to pre- 
serve it from total moral putrefaction. This, howev- 
er, will not save a dissipated people, from the tokens 
of God's anger, or his testimonies against a general 
decay of religion. 

It is well known, that the national Constitution re- 
cognizes only a Moses, or civil magistrate : Aaron, 
or a religious order, is not known. While some of 
the states have acknowledged both, the magistrate, 
in others, has lifted up his hand, to depress the insti- 
tutions of religion. Retrospective laws have been 
put in force, calculated to weaken the hands of relig- 
ious instructors. When the authors of such meas- 
ures are supported and caressed, it sho^^'s that the 
people enter into the same views, and prefer that or- 
der of things to any other. 



i7 

Life and death, are before our country ; these are 
at the option of the people ; and that which they pre-* 
fer, will be their portion. 

The adoption and pursuit of a train of measures, 
Avhich have the highest tendency to promote relig- 
ion ; to preserve, or mend the morals, and to secure 
public peace and happiness, is the people's choice of 
life. To depress virtue, corrupt morals, and leave 
the industrious without protection, is to love death. 

May the people of these states, never be left, to 
prefer a train of measures, which tend to impover- 
ish, degrade, and ruin them. 

May science and virtue, walk hand in hand, 
through every section of the Union. May this land 
of our fathers, be preserved from an unprincipled 
magistracy ; from tyranny and oppression ; from an- 
archy and confusion. May the Zion of God be de- 
livered from those illiterate, disorganizing vagrants, 
who aim to divide, weaken and destroy, regular 
christian societies ; that on their ruins, they may 
raise their own popularity and interest. 

May the people never be so forsaken of God, or 
blind to their temporal and spiritual welfare, as to 
follov/ and second tlie views of such a vile descrip- 
tion of men. For if such an order of things meets 
their choice, the land mast raourn. And, though it 
would be their own chosen way, they would have 
reason to rue the day, which gave tliem a national 
existence, as did the perfect man, the day in which 
he was born. This, God forbid. 

May the means of national peace and prosperity, 
be embraced thiough every section of the land ; the 
day which ga\ c us a rank among nations, be k«pt in 
joyous, grateful remembrance ; and the people love 
to have ii so, till time shall be no more. 

NoTB. These passages in italics, were omitted in tlie 
delivery. 

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